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Chronic tension headache diagnosis and long term management

Lost_Girl
Community Member

Hi I suffer from chronic pain. I have a bone shard impacting a nerve root at c8 being treated with cortisone. I have pain at c5 and c6 that is manageable without anything. However I have a constant headache and pressure in my ears that I have had for pretty much every waking moment for the last 7 months. As a result I have become depressed and I have insomnia.

After a trip to a neurologist I have been advised to cease sleeping medication and strong pain killers. I am now only on antidepressants.

A visit to my psychologist today has alerted me that depression does not cause headaches.   

Has anyone been treated for chronic pain with ONLY antidepressants and did it work?

I havr a referral now to a psychiatrist to check but it not until May. While I see if I can find something earlier I sm keen to hear if this has worked for anyone.

Thanks,

Carol

1,044 Replies 1,044

Hi Len,

Oh your pic has changed again. I thought you were looking very cool with the hat and sunnies, very cool indeed! Your doggy is cute though so I can't complain.

Tomorrow will be a week on my new meds. I am still super sleepy and dopey most of the day. When I do feel more awake I try and get things done which I can now with the pain level low.

All very positive, I am sure it will improve.

I hope you are not in too much pain. Hugs for you.

Dear Ava (may I call you this now?),

Hi lovely, thank you for your understanding. I wish there was a quick fix for you also. I will write on your thread soon. It really is nice to have a break from the pain.

Dear Shell,

I do miss you my beautiful friend. I hope things are going along ok for you. I am here for you too if you ever want to talk. I am very blessed that the pain is reduced. It seems you were right lovely. The psin specialist believes the underlying issue with my neck muscle stiffness and the fascia muscles are likely resolved given I haven't had any muscle spasms or other symptoms for 6 monthsvnow. So this leaves chronic daily headache that he thinks may just be the rebound headache from the medications. When I see him in 5 weeks I hope to look at a process to get them out of my system.

Much love to you Shell. I'd like to hear how you are doing if you feel up to sharing xx

Dear CMF,

How lovely to hear from you though I wish it were under better circumstances. I have friends who are drnking the apple cider vinegar. I haven't tried it yet largely because I have a strong gag reflex and struggle to take medicine or anything with a bitter taste. At the moment my pain is relieved by my new medicines but I will keep it in mind if I need something when I stop the meds.

I will catch up with you in your thread or cafe soon CMF. I need another sleep now though.

Chat soon all.

Carol xx

CMF
Blue Voices Member
Blue Voices Member

Hi Carol,

Yes it is hard to swallow, however you can soak a bandage in it and apply it to the area with pain.

cmf

Aside from still being sleepy, sounds like things are ticking along pretty well for you at the moment, Carol. I'm glad, you deserve it. Hope little one's birthday goes well, and the various holiday plans.

Blue.

Emmy.
Community Member

Hey Carol glad to read that your pain levels are still low 🙂 Has the dopiness and sleepiness subsided?

Is this weekend your daughters party? Hope all goes well.

Sorry I've been slack at messaging you. You're always in my thoughts though I care for you very much. Hugs. Emmy xx

Lost_Girl
Community Member

Hi Emmy and Blue,

Yes very very dopey and sleepy still. I shouldn't complain but it does make even the little things I could do before much harder. As a result I have had to order some things in for her party food and entertainment. She will like it so it is all good.

My daighter's B'day is Sunday. It is forecast to rain Sunday. The BOM says 95% chance 😞

It is ok, Luckily our living areas are big but we will need to do some tetris type shuffling with the tables haha.

Emmy, no need to apologise lovely. I know you care and I hope you know I do even if we don't post everyday. It is ok 🙂

I hope you both sleep well.

Take care xx

Oh Carol, I am truly so thankful. Thank you so much too for asking after me. I left a message in the "killer thread" to let you know how I am.

Much love to you also

Shell xx

Hey Carol

Just saying Hi....HI!

I hope you are doing reasonably okay. I have some weird virus that is ice cold and the need to sleep a lot...I havent been on a lot....nearly invisible...

Children come first....I hope that your daughter has a great birthday tomorrow!

Paul xx

CMF
Blue Voices Member
Blue Voices Member

Happy Birthday to your little one Carol,

Hope you get to enjoy the celebrations too.

cmf x

Emmy.
Community Member
I hope all goes well today for your daughters bday party . Let us know how it goes. Thinking of you. Emmy x

Happy birthday Carol Junior! Hope all goes well today. Thanks for continuing to look in on me, too. You're a gem. 🙂

Blue.